Presidential Awards

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Program was established in 1983 by The White House and is sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The program identifies outstanding science and mathematics teachers, kindergarten through 12th grade, in each state and the four U.S. jurisdictions. These teachers are to serve as models for their colleagues and will be leaders in the improvement of science and mathematics education.

Since 1983 over 2,000 teachers have been selected to enter the network of Presidential Awardees. They represent a premier group of science and mathematics teachers and provide the nation with an impressive array of expertise to help improve teaching and learning while becoming more deeply involved in activities such as curriculum material selection, research, curriculum development and teaching other teachers. While most remain in the classroom, some have become school principals, supervisors, superintendents and college faculty.

Recognition is given to K-12 teachers in four award groups, (l) elementary mathematics, (2) elementary science, (3) secondary mathematics, and (4) secondary science. The secondary groups include middle, junior, and senior high school teachers. The award now alternates yearly by grade level beginning with teachers of grades 7-12 in 2003 and teachers of grades K-6 in 2004.